Effects of An Eight-Week Insole Trial Period on the Kinematics and Muscle Activity During the Stance Phase Walking

The purpose of this study was to examine and quantify whether a neuromuscular training insole can alter muscle activation and kinematics during the stance phase of walking following two months of use. Eight males and eight females were given a neuromuscular training insole and attended collection sessions prior to the insole insertion and following eight weeks of insole use. While the insoles did not appear to have a large effect on muscle activation or lower limb and lumbar spine kinematics, they did appear to have an effect on thoracic spine movement. A reduction in thoracic spine mean, maximum, and minimum flexion angle was observed following the trial period; however, there was no indication this was a result of a change in lower limb kinematics. These findings indicated that these insoles appear safe for use and may serve to reduce thoracic spine flexion during walking.